Algae in your pool? Yeah, it’s annoying. One day your water’s crystal clear, and the next, it’s looking like something out of a swamp. If you don’t want to dump a pile of chemicals into your pool, don’t worry—there are natural ways to get rid of it. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Brush, Brush, Brush
You can’t get rid of algae if you leave it sitting there. It sticks to the walls and floor, and you’ve got to loosen it up. Grab a pool brush (a stiff one, not something flimsy) and scrub every algae-covered surface. Pay extra attention to corners and steps—algae loves those spots.
If you don’t have a decent pool brush, check out Bunnings NZ or Mitre 10—they usually have tough, algae-busting brushes.
2. Run Your Pump Non-Stop
Algae thrives in stagnant water. Keep your pump running 24/7 while you’re fighting it so that the water keeps moving and filtering out the gunk. If your filter’s clogged up with algae, clean it regularly—otherwise, you’re just circulating the same algae-filled water.
Got a sand filter? Backwash it. A cartridge filter? Give it a good hose down. If your filter’s old and useless, it might be time to pop down to Para Rubber for a replacement.
3. Use a Pool Vacuum
Now that you’ve brushed the algae loose, you need to get it out of the pool completely. A pool vacuum is your best friend here. If you have a manual one, run it on the “waste” setting so that you’re not just recycling dirty water back in. Got a robotic cleaner? Let it do its thing!
If you don’t have a vacuum, you might be able to hire one from your local Hirepool or buy one from a pool supply shop like The Warehouse.
4. Use Baking Soda for Stubborn Algae
If you’ve got black algae (the really tough stuff), scrubbing alone might not cut it. Baking soda is a great natural alternative—it loosens up the algae so you can brush it away more easily. Just sprinkle some directly on problem areas, give it a scrub, and let your filter do the heavy lifting.
You can usually pick up baking soda cheaply from Countdown or Pak’nSave.
5. Try a UV Pool Sanitiser
Want a long-term algae prevention solution? A UV pool sanitiser could be worth checking out. These systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and algae before they take over. It’s an upfront cost, but it means less reliance on chemicals in the long run.
Some Kiwi pool retailers like Splash Direct stock UV systems if you’re keen to invest.
6. Keep Your Water Balanced
Even without chemicals, you’ve got to keep your pool water balanced to stop algae from coming back. Test your pH and alkalinity regularly—when the balance is off, algae has a field day.
A simple test kit from Swimart NZ or your local pool store will help you stay on top of it. Aim for a pH of around 7.2-7.6.
7. Add a Pool Cover
Algae feeds off sunlight, so if your pool is constantly exposed, you’re making its job easier. A pool cover can block out some of that sunlight and stop algae from growing so quickly. If you don’t already have one, places like Trade Tested sell affordable options.
8. Use a Natural Algae Treatment
There are some plant-based algae treatments on the market now that avoid harsh chemicals. They rely on natural minerals or enzymes to stop algae growth. If you’re keen on an alternative, have a look at Eco-Friendly Options NZ for something that won’t mess with your water quality.
The Bottom Line
Algae hates clean, moving water. If you stay on top of brushing, vacuuming, and filtration, you’re already making it hard for it to grow. Keep your pool covered, balance your pH properly, and consider natural boosters like baking soda or UV filters.
Stick with these steps, and you’ll have a clear, algae-free pool—without reaching for harsh chemicals. Easy.
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